Red Tongue and Fever: Kawasaki Disease Vs. Strep Throat Newer Comments → Mike My wife had Kawasaki’s at the age of 11. She remembers the high fever, strawberry tongue and she said it looked and felt like her eyes were bleeding. She was a very active kid and her heart was in good shape, so the Doctors told her that she did so well responding to treatment because she was in such good physical shape. They did not hospitalize her, but rather put her on high doses of aspirin for the first month, and for several months thereafter. She didn’t remember ever having an IV of any kind. She remembers the Doctors mentioning how deadly this disease was and that she needed to to exactly what she was told. They treated her as she stayed home from school for several months. This occurred in the mid 1980’s in Kingsville, TX. I asked her to tell me about her experience so I could share it with you after reading this article. She remembers the recovery taking a very long time.

She remembers an entire month of intense therapy treating the Kawasaki’s, two more months of rest out of school, an entire year of aspirin therapy as they weaned her back off of that, and it was probably about 4 months before she could begin to re-engage in the school sports that she loved so much. The family and the Doctors watched her closely for the next two years to make sure no major effects had taken place; especially since she was such an active kid. I guess they were worried that her activity would be hindered by longer lasting effects. Last thought from her, the Doctors in Kingsville were credited by her and her family and teachers as diagnosing the condition immediately. They were very aggressive at running down what this was and starting treatment within a few days of the symptoms appearing. After reading your article, she doesn’t know why they never hospitalized her. Its a mystery… Denisa Our Family Doctor was against hospitalizing children that could be treated at home by responsible adults. He thought it was dangerous to expose their compromised immune systems to even more illnesses. He also thought the stress of removing a young child from the home could weaken the immune system enough to delay recovery.

He warned us against overuse of antibiotics and offered home remedy recipes for symptom relief. He was a firm believer in quarantine and often made house calls to prevent the spread of illness in his waiting room. He came to our home in the 1980’s for a follow up after our kids had chicken pox and had us burn our blankets before he left, just to be sure. I do miss his thoroughness. Sounds like a great guy. Mike Mike, Kawasaki Disease was first recognized here in the U.S. in the 1970’s. Here’s a history Depending on when your wife was treated, perhaps that was the standard of care at that time. Sherry Biele When my boys were 3 and 4 yrs. of age my oldest presented with a rash of blood blisters and swollen joints. After several doctors and mistreatments we ended up in Mt. Sinai NYC where the doctor diagnosed HSP. Said it would never come back …it did 3 years later.Very scary illness. He was hospitalized both times. He was bleeding internally which caused the stomach pain and vomiting.

Six months after this his younger brother has a very high fever and rash and then the skin of his palms and feet peeled off in one large sheet of skin. He had sores in his mouth besides the red tongue. They treated him with steroids and he became puffy, itchy, and pasty looking.We found out around that time that he was allergic to penecillin.Or so we were told. Again, it took several weeks until an infectious disease specialist was brought in and diagnosed Kawasaki Syndrome. They didn’t treat it because it had been 3-4weeks before our doctors gave up and sent us to the specialist We researched it ourselves and took him to a cardiologist who performed and echo cardiogram and we had one done every six months for several years just to make sure there was no damage. Both boys are now in their thirties and very healthy. Thank the Lord. The only link that we could find that might have caused the Kawasaki was we did have our rugs cleaned about every 8 months when they were young and crawling around. A year later there was an article in the paper about an outbreak of Kawasaki in several children who attended the same nursery school. They had just had their rugs cleaned….so who knows?????

Sherry, thanks for sharing your experiences. They’re lucky to have such persistent parents. Charlene LaFosse Our Son was exactly 3 months old when he started with the fever on 11/22. The next day,Thanksgiving Day, he was very sensitive to any positional changes and we brought him to the ER thinking it was an ear infection….over the next seven days his 104+ fever continued we watched, and reported all the transient symptoms to our family practice. (all over prickly rash that faded to be replaced with a swollen blotchy rash on his thigh, soles of his feet, fingers and palms of his hands; blood red lips, one bright red blood vessel in an eye that faded to normal within an hour; a blood stain in his diaper; strawberry tongue; and finally an alarmingly swollen belly that caused his inny belly button to “pop” to an outie. The only response I got from the on call Doctor was that it was a virus and would resolve. On day 7 I demanded an appointment with another Doctor for a 2nd opinion and he was alarmed at Bobby’s condition.

Bobby was immediately hospitalized (11/27) and suspected of either sepsis, meningitis or Kawasaki Disease. A battery of tests including abdominal x-ray confirmed multiple blood abnormalities and a significantly enlarged liver and spleen. He was transferred to Children’s Hospital Boston who confirmed it was KD on day 8 (11/28). His coronary arteries were already dilated to 4mm and he was quickly placed on multiple blood thinners. Bobby was resistant to the IVIG treatment and received many different treatments designed to minimize inflammation. Unfortunately, due to the caustic treatments, he developed a serious GI bleed and all medications (including anticoagulants) had to be stopped for 24 hours resulting in 5 coronary clots. His aneurysms at the time ranged from 6.5 – 8.5. A clot busting med was administered but had to be discontinued when he developed internal bleeding in his elbow (they had drawn blood from the site the night before to check his heparin level) The swelling got so bad they called in a pediatric surgeon to confirm circulation was not obstructed to his hand.

A week later the clots had stabilized and we were discharged from the hospital (12/22). We returned to Children’s Hospital on 12/26 for a follow-up echo that found one of the clots had enlarged and threatened to close off an artery, he was readmitted and TPA was once again administered. Again he had an adverse reaction – unable to control bleeding from the central line placed hours before administering the med and TPA was discontinued. We had no choice but to “wait and see” for 24 hours. Our prayers were answered and Bobby’s clot stabilized and the threadlike structures below it had cleared. We stayed another week to assure all anticoagulants were in therapeutic range and finally released on New Years Day. (32 total days at Children’s Hospital) Over the next year his aneurysms showed remodeling and regression. A cardiocatherization completed at 15 months old confirmed the artery was smooth with no pooling or stenosis and he was able to discontinue 2 of the 3 anticoagulants. He is now 6, soon to be 7, years old and is a picture of health.

His aneurysms are no larger than 4 mm, he is only on 81mg of aspirin daily and has no activity restrictions. We are adamant that our son is alive today because the Pediatrician at our local hospital correctly diagnosed KD and transferred his care to Dr. Jane Newburger at Children’s Hospital. We are eternally grateful and cherish every day with Bobby. What an ordeal. I’m so glad everything turned out so well in the long run. M My son had Kawasaki Disease a year ago–he was 3 and a half years old. We feel fortunate to have been diagnosed and treated quickly as we have a good relationship with our pediatrician (in NYC) who spent a long time on the phone with us over a holiday weekend and took our concerns regarding our child’s symptoms seriously. He (as well as some other family members at home) had all tested positive for stept at around the same time. It is believed that the strept infection triggered the kawasaki disease response. He was hospitalized for a few days and treated with ivig as well as antibiotics for scarlet fever–as the team of specialists assigned to him determined necessary.

We had several cardiology follow-ups and he remained on aspirin for a few months too. Based on other parents’ accounts as well as the media–it seems we were lucky to have not had such a dramatic diagnosis. We had an obviously sick child and are thrilled all the people involved noticed it immediately as well. It does sound like everyone did a great job. Thanks for sharing. Renee Both of my children had Kawasaki’s. My son was 2 1/2 yrs old. He had all the symptoms for 10 days. Nobody knew what he had until a Dr on call had read an article on Kawasaki’s and properly diagnosed him. Fortunately, he has had no ill effects. He is 26 now and healthy. My daughter was 5 months old when my son was diagnosed. She came down with it within the next year. We recognized the symptoms quickly and started treatment. She is also a healthy 24 year old. Doctors in emergency rooms kept telling me my son had the flu and to go home. I knew it was more. If I had not been persistent and a Dr finally admitted him due to dehydration, my son could have had lasting effects or worse, be dead. GO WITH YOUR GUT!

If you know something is wrong…keep at it until someone listens. Thanks, Renee. Yes, sometimes you’ve got to take the reins. I’ve learned over the years that a mom’s intuition about her child is something to take very seriously. Shawna My son had Kawaski’s 12 years ago at the age of 7 yrs, He had all the classical signs but also had cauliflower look a like around is private areas. Long story short he was so sick that he actually was out of school for a year and 12 years later still has medial problems. Including heart disease. He couldn’t play sports all through school and has had to go out of state for medical treatment for years. He now has a rare kidney disease that medicine brought on. His temperature was 107 for about 2 days with the kawaskis but fevered continuously for a year and had recurrent fevers for many years afterwards that was diagnosed as Periodic Fever Syndrome. My brothers daughter was also diagnosed with this a year earlier at the age of 13 months.

She was sick like my son and only lived 30 days after the onset, She was in the hospital most of the time but had too many aneurisms on her little heart, This could be a serious disease and if you suspect Kawaski’s get to the Drs right away. Skin Rashes: Diseases 1-6 return to top Rubella: The rash begins as discrete macules (red spots) on the face that spread to the neck, trunk, and extremities. The macules may coalesce on the trunk. Appearance of the rash corresponds with the appearance of rubella-specific antibody. The exanthem lasts 1-3 days, first leaving the face and may be followed by desquamation. On occasion a nonspecific enanthem (Forscheimer's spots) of pinpoint red macules and petechiae can be seen over the soft palate and uvula just before or with the exanthem. The hallmark of rubella is the generalized tender lymphadenopathy which involves all nodes, but which is most striking in the suboccipital, postauricular, and anterior and posterior cervical nodes.

Swelling of the lymph nodes most prevalent at the time of appearance of the exanthem but may precede it by a week. The tenderness that accompanies this lymphadenopathy subsides rapidly, however the enlargement may last days or weeks. Filatow-Dukes' Disease: Controversy exists concerning the existence of this disease. Some believe the disease that was described by Clement Dukes in 1900 was what we now refer to as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS or Ritter's disease). This disease is caused by epidermolytic (exfoliative) toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus 2,3 . However, others believe it to be a misdiagnosis of either scarlet fever or rubella and therefore a nonexistent disease entity 1 . The term was dropped from medical textbooks in the 1960's and is only rarely used for medical trivia purposes today. If one believes fourth disease is SSSS then the following symptoms are usually seen. SSSS is usually see in infants and begins with an abrupt appearance of perioral erythema.

This red well-demarcate and tender to the touch rash covers most of the body in around 2 days. Applying slight pressure with side to side movement of a finger to the skin lesions results in displacement of the epidermis from the dermis (positive Nikolsky's sign). In most cases the lesions become fluid filled bullae or cutaneous blisters. The fluid in the bullae and blisters is clear and does not contain bacteria or white blood cells. The bullae and blisters will break and will then desquamate. The lesions do not always fill with fluid and in this case some refer to the disease as staphylococcal scarlet fever. Desquamation of lesions also occurs with staphylococcal scarlet fever. Within 7-10 days of lesion appearance the skin heals without any scarring. Secondary bacterial infections of the lesions can result in scarring. return to top Fifth Disease: Pruritus, low-grade fever, malaise, and sore throat precede the rash in approximately 10% of cases. Lymphadenopathy is absent. Older individuals may complain of joint pain. There are three distinct, overlapping rash stages.

Facial erythema ("slapped cheek") that consist of red papules on the cheeks that rapidly coalesce in hours, forming red, slightly edematous, warm, plaques that are symmetric on both cheeks but do not cover the nasolabial fold and the circumoral region. The "slapped cheek'' appearance fades in 4 days. Net pattern erythema is a unique characteristic eruption--erythema in a fishnetlike pattern--begins on the extremities approximately 2 days after the onset of facial erythema and extends to the trunk and buttocks, fading in 6 to 14 days. At times, the rash (exanthem) begins with erythema and does not become characteristic until irregular clearing takes place. The eruptions may fade and then reappear in previously affected sites on the face and body during the next 2 to 3 weeks (recurrent phase). Temperature changes, emotional upsets, and sunlight may stimulate recurrences. The rash fades without scaling or pigmentation. There may be a slight lymphocytosis or eosinophilia.

Exanthem subitum: There is a sudden onset of high fever of 103° to 106° F with few or minor symptoms. Most children appear inappropriately well for the degree of temperature elevation, but they may experience slight anorexia or one or two episodes of vomiting, running nose, cough, and hepatomegaly. Seizures (but more frequently general cerebral irritability) may occur before the eruptive phase. The rash begins as the fever goes away. The term exanthem subitum describes the sudden "surprise" appearance of the rash after the fall of the fever. Numerous pale pink, almond-shaped macules appear on the trunk and neck. They become confluent, and then fade in a few hours to 2 days without scaling or pigmentation. References : 1. Morens DM, Katz AR. The "fourth disease" of childhood: reevaluation of a nonexistent disease. Am J Epidemiol. 1991 Sep 15;134(6):628-40. 2. Powell KR. Filatow-Dukes' disease.

Epidermolytic toxin-producing staphylococci as the etiologic agent of the fourth childhood exanthem. Am J Dis Child. 1979 Jan;133(1):88-91. 3. Weisse ME. The fourth disease, 1900-2000. Lancet. 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):299-301. Created 8/3/01; last revised 11/27/13 © 1996-2013 Neal Chamberlain . All rights reserved. Site Last Revised 11/12/13 Neal Chamberlain, PhD. A. T. Still University of Health Sciences/Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Take Care and Think Microbiologically! Tongue Problems Symptoms, Treatment, Causes - White tongue - MedicineNet Medical Author: Donna S. Bautista, DDS Donna S. Bautista, DDS Dr. Donna S. Bautista, DDS, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor of arts in biochemistry and cell biology.

During her time at UC San Diego, she was involved in basic research including studying processes related to DNA transcription in the field of molecular biology. Upon graduation, she went on to attend dental school at the University of California, San Francisco. In addition to her formal dental training, she provided dental care for underserved communities in the Bay Area through clinics and health fairs. She also worked toward mentoring high school students interested in the field of dentistry. Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Share Your Story Color changes related to the tongue can range from a benign concern to one that requires medical attention. Often, a white tongue could be caused by a removable coating of food debris or bacterial plaque.

Otherwise, the following are some common causes of white tongue -- a fungal infection referred to as oral thrush , leukoplakia , oral lichen planus , hairy leukoplakia, and linea alba. Oral thrush (or candidiasis ) is a caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. The white patches can be scraped off to expose a red surface on the tongue. Illnesses, medications, stress , and antibiotic treatment can cause oral thrush by throwing off the balance of natural bacteria in the mouth. Lozenges, tablets, or liquid antifungals are used for treatment. Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches that cannot be scraped off and may be related to chronic irritation in the mouth, although the cause is not always known. Tobacco use is the most common factor that contributes to leukoplakia. The condition may resolve after smoking cessation . Sometimes the patches are on the sides of the tongue and could be related to constant rubbing next to the lower teeth . Although leukoplakia is usually benign, it can be the precursor to oral cancer . The risk of cancer increases with the age of the individual, size of the lesion, and number of lesions present.

A biopsy may be recommended after clinical evaluation by the doctor. Sometimes, the area can be monitored for changes by the doctor. Monitoring is usually performed during routine dental visits or during visits with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Oral lichen planus on the tongue is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune response (the body's immune system attacking its own tissue). It is characterized by a white lace-like pattern called reticular lichen planus. (There is an erosive form that presents as shallow ulcerations and can be treated with topical steroids.) Regular monitoring of this condition is recommended for any changes that (although rare) could lead to oral cancer. A biopsy may be recommended. Hairy leukoplakia is a white patch on the side of the tongue that appears hairy or rough. This condition is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is usually related to immunocompromised individuals. HIV testing should be considered if hairy leukoplakia appears without a known immunocompromising condition. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir ( Zovirax ) may be used. Recurrence of hairy leukoplakia is common.

Linea alba is a benign condition that is characterized by a thin white line at the lateral borders of the tongue. It is caused by the thickening of the epithelium due to trauma or irritation from chewing. No treatment is necessary for linea alba. Red tongue There are obvious causes of red color change, such as something you ate (strawberries or red-colored foods). Some acidic foods can cause temporary redness and discomfort. However, a red tongue can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Some red color changes on the tongue ("strawberry tongue") could be related to a vitamin deficiency, Kawasaki disease , or a strep infection ( scarlet fever ). Erythroplakia is a red area or lesion that cannot be rubbed off on the tongue (except for the color, it is similar to leukoplakia). A lesion with a combined white and red appearance is called erythroleukoplakia. These lesions are all considered to have premalignant potential. Erythroplakia and erythroleukoplakia have an increased risk of premalignancy compared to leukoplakia.

In addition to appearance, cause for concern can be if the lesion or sore does not go away or grows in size. A biopsy is recommended by an oral surgeon or an ENT specialist to rule out oral cancer. Black tongue Share Your Story A black tongue is usually a harmless condition that can be caused by medications, smoking , poor oral hygiene, soft diet , or dry mouth . A black tongue is usually associated with elongated tongue papillae and thus, it is called "black hairy tongue " (lingua villosa nigra). The cause is thought to be a change in the normal bacteria in the mouth after antibiotic treatment or use of products that contain bismuth such as Pepto-Bismol . ("Hairy tongue" by itself can also be white or tan.) Treatment may involve improving one's diet , smoking cessation, and improved oral hygiene (including gently brushing or scraping the tongue). Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 12/18/2015 Scarlet fever - Symptoms - NHS Choices Scarlet fever - Symptoms Symptoms of scarlet fever The symptoms of scarlet fever usually take two to five days to appear after infection.

However, the incubation period (the time between exposure to the infection and symptoms starting) can be as short as one day or as long as seven days. The symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat , headache , high temperature (38.3C/101F) or above), flushed face and swollen tongue. The distinctive pink-red rash develops 12 to 48 hours later. Rash Red blotches are the first sign of the rash. These turn into a fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch and looks like sunburn . It may also be itchy. The rash usually starts on the chest and stomach, but soon spreads to other parts of the body, such as the ears, neck, elbows, inner thighs and groin. The rash doesn't usually spread to the face. However, the cheeks become flushed and the area just around the mouth stays quite pale. The rash will turn white if you press a glass on it. The rash usually fades after about a week, but the outer layers of skin, usually on the hands and feet, may peel for several weeks afterwards. In milder cases, sometimes called scarlatina, the rash may be the only symptom.

Other symptoms loss of appetite nausea or vomiting red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit, which may last a couple of days after the rash has gone a white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red and swollen (this is known as strawberry tongue) a general feeling of being unwell When to seek medical advice See your GP as soon as possible if you think you or your child has scarlet fever. Although the illness usually clears up after about a week, your GP will be able to confirm a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. Chickenpox and scarlet fever If your child has chickenpox and develops a rash that looks like scarlet fever, it may be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection. In this case, you should seek immediate medical advice to reduce the risk of potentially serious complications. Page last reviewed: 04/03/2015 5 Underlining Reasons for Strawberry Tongue | Health And Nutrition Tips Health And Nutrition Tips Strawberry Tongue 5 Underlining Reasons for Strawberry Tongue If your loved one or child has a deep red tint to their tongue with small blister sores, then they probably have a strawberry tongue.

Although children are usually most affected by strawberry tongue, adults can get it too. This condition should be considered as a red flag because it shows that the sore tongue is only a symptom of a much bigger medical problem. There are five main medical reasons for the appearance of strawberry tongue. Some of these reasons can even be life threatening, especially for toddlers or pre teen children. Their immune systems are not yet able to fully handle the diseases related to this condition. Scarlet fever is an illness that is related to strawberry tongue. This disease happens when the bacteria streptococcus invades the body. But every child that comes in contact with the bacteria may not be affected. For example, if two children from the same families are infected with streptococcus, one may come down with Scarlett fever but the other may just get a normal strep throat. The strep throat can be easily treated with an antibiotic. For some children the strep bacteria turns into toxic poison within the body. Along with the red tongue, these children also get a rash that appears to look like sunburn and can be itchy. Small blisters can also form. The rash starts on the neck and face and quickly spreads to other areas of the body.

A fever and swollen lymph nodes can also be seen. If properly treated with antibiotics, Scarlett fever can be cured in around a week. Deficiencies of certain vitamins can be a contributing factor to strawberry tongue. Folic acid and B-12 deficiencies can make a person anemic. This affects red blood cell production by reducing the cells efficiency. This opens the body up to more than a few health problems, like difficulty breathing and intestinal issues. Incorporating more vitamins into your diet can help clear up this condition. Along with pills that have to be taken for a full four months. Kawasaki syndrome is a condition that mostly affects children under the age of five. It isn't clear what causes this disease but some of the symptoms include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, a rash on the abdominal area and a swollen red tongue. This disease can be cleared up with the proper medication but only if it is identified immediately. If it goes unnoticed, it can cause serious heart valve damage. Geographic tongue is a condition that can be irritating. White or bald patches appear on the tongue and although it is not a serious problem, if it persists for two weeks or longer you must see a physician.

It is not known what exactly causes geographic tongue but it mostly affects women and people with compromised immune systems. It also has a genetic background because most people who acquire it have siblings with the same problem. Bacterial toxic shock syndrome has been associated with strawberry tongue. This condition may be fatal if not immediately diagnosed. It is caused by toxins produced by staphylococcus bacteria and has many symptoms. A high fever, extreme headache, sore throat and rashes are seen with this disease. Most cases of toxic shock syndrome are related to women and tampon use but anyone can get the disease. The treatments for the disease include an intravenous drip with anti resistant antibiotics and maybe even dialysis, to remove the bacteria from the blood. If you see any of these symptoms especially in children, seek medical help immediately. Most of the underlining reasons for strawberry tongue can easily be corrected by your doctor. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved. Tongue Problems: Sores, Discoloration, and Tongue Bumps What Causes a Sore or Bumpy Tongue?

Though often hailed as "the strongest muscle in the body," the tongue is made up of a group of muscles that allow us to taste food, swallow, and talk. A healthy tongue is pink and covered with small nodules called papillae. Because you use your tongue constantly, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable when you experience tongue problems , including discoloration and soreness. There are a variety of causes for a number of common tongue symptoms. Fortunately, the majority of tongue problems are not serious and most can be resolved quickly. In some instances, though, a discolored or painful tongue can indicate more serious conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, AIDS , or oral cancer . For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice if you have any ongoing problems with your tongue. What Causes a White Tongue? There are a number of things that can cause a whitish coating or white spots to develop on the tongue, including: Leukoplakia. This condition causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth , including on the tongue. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer .

So it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of white patches on your tongue. Leukoplakia can develop when the tongue has been irritated, and it is often found in people who use tobacco products. Oral thrush . Also known as candidiasis , oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth . The condition results in white patches that are often cottage cheese-like in consistency on the surfaces of the mouth and tongue. Oral thrush is most commonly seen in infants and the elderly, especially denture wearers, or in people with weakened immune systems. People with diabetes and people taking inhaled steroids for asthma or lung disease can also get thrush. Oral thrush is more likely to occur after the use of antibiotics , which may kill the "good" bacteria in the mouth. Eating plain yogurt with live and active cultures may help restore the proper fauna in your mouth. Additionally, medications may be used to combat the infection. Oral lichen planus . A network of raised white lines on your tongue with a lace-like appearance can be a sign of this condition. Doctors often can't pinpoint its cause, but it usually gets better on its own.

You can do some things that might help: Practice proper dental hygiene, avoid tobacco, and cut back on foods that irritate your mouth. Continued What Causes a Red or Strawberry Tongue? There are multiple factors that can cause a normally pink tongue to turn red. In some instances, the tongue may even take on the appearance of a strawberry with enlarged, red taste buds dotting the surface. Possible causes include: Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-12 may cause your tongue to take on a reddish appearance. Geographic tongue . This condition, also known as benign migratory glossitis , is named for the map-like pattern of reddish spots that develop on the surface of the tongue. At times, these patches have a white border around them and their location on the tongue may shift over time. Though usually harmless, you should check with your dentist to investigate red patches that last longer than 2 weeks. Once the dentist has determined that the redness is a result of geographic tongue, no further treatment is necessary. If the condition makes your tongue sore or uncomfortable, you may be prescribed topical medications to ease discomfort. Scarlet fever . People who get this infection may develop a strawberry tongue.

Be sure to contact a doctor immediately if you have a high fever and red tongue. Antibiotic treatment is necessary for scarlet fever . Kawasaki syndrome . This disease, usually seen in children under the age of 5, affects the blood vessels in the body and can cause strawberry tongue. During the severe phase of illness, children often run an extremely high fever and may also have redness and swelling in the hands and feet. What Causes Black Hairy Tongue? Though troubling in appearance, a black, hairy tongue is typically nothing serious. The small bumps on the surface of your tongue, called papillae, grow throughout your lifetime. In some people, the papillae become excessively long, rather than being worn down by daily activities. That makes them more likely to harbor bacteria. When these bacteria grow, they may look dark or black and the overgrown papillae appear hair -like. This condition is not common and is most likely to occur in people who do not practice good dental hygiene. People who are on antibiotics or receiving chemotherapy and people with diabetes may be more likely to have a black hairy tongue . Continued What Causes a Sore or Bumpy Tongue?

There are many things that can make your tongue to become sore or cause painful bumps to form, including: Trauma. Accidentally biting your tongue or scalding it on something straight out of the oven can result in a sore tongue until the damage heals. Grinding or clenching the teeth can also irritate the sides of the tongue and cause it to become painful. Smoking . Smoking excessively can irritate your tongue and make it sore. Canker sores . Many people will develop these mouth ulcers on the tongue eventually. The cause is unknown, although they can be worse during periods of heightened stress . Burning tongue syndrome . Some postmenopausal women develop this syndrome, which makes the tongue feel as if it has been burned. Enlarged papillae. If one or more of your taste buds becomes inflamed or irritated, it can swell and form a painful bump on your tongue. Certain medical conditions. Medical conditions, including diabetes and anemia , can have a sore tongue as a symptom. Oral cancer. Though most sore tongues are nothing to worry about, you should consult a doctor if you have a lump or sore on your tongue that doesn't go away within a week or two.

Many oral cancers don't hurt in the early stages, so don't assume a lack of pain means nothing is wrong. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Michael Friedman, DDS on November 29, 2015 Sources Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection | Features | CDC Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection Language: ShareCompartir Scarlet fever results from group A strep infection. If your child has a sore throat and rash, their doctor can test for strep. Quick treatment with antibiotics can protect your child from possible long-term health problems. Scarlet fever – or scarlatina – is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or "group A strep." This illness affects some people who have strep throat or skin infections caused by group A strep. It is usually a mild illness, but people with scarlet fever need treatment to prevent rare but serious health problems. Doctors treat scarlet fever with antibiotics to help clear up symptoms faster and reduce spread to other people. Although anyone can get scarlet fever, it usually affects children between 5 and 15 years old.

The classic symptom of the disease is a certain type of red rash that feels rough, like sandpaper. Scarlet Fever Podcast A pediatrician explains the cause, treatment, and prevention of scarlet fever. Listen or download [5:09 minutes] How Do You Get Scarlet Fever? Group A strep bacteria can live in a person's nose and throat. The bacteria spread through contact with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has these droplets on it, you may become ill. If you drink from the same glass or eat from the same plate as the sick person, you could also become ill. People can get scarlet fever from contact with sores from group A strep skin infections.

Common Symptoms of Scarlet Fever A very red, sore throat A fever (101° F or above) A red rash with a sandpaper feel Bright red skin in underarm, elbow, and groin creases A whitish coating on the tongue A "strawberry" (red and bumpy) tongue Headache or body aches Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain Swollen glands Scarlet Fever: What to Expect Illness usually begins with a fever and sore throat. There also may be chills, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The tongue may have a whitish coating and appear swollen. It may also have a "strawberry"-like (red and bumpy) appearance. The throat and tonsils may be very red and sore, and swallowing may be painful. One or two days after the illness begins, the characteristic red rash appears (although the rash can appear before illness or up to 7 days later). Certain strep bacteria produce a toxin (poison) that causes some people to break out in the rash—the "scarlet" of scarlet fever. The rash may first appear on the neck, underarm, and groin (the area where your stomach meets your thighs), then spread over the body.

Typically, the rash begins as small, flat red blotches that gradually become fine bumps and feel like sandpaper. Although the cheeks might have a flushed appearance, there may be a pale area around the mouth. Underarm, elbow, and groin skin creases may become brighter red than the rest of the rash. Doctors call these Pastia's lines. The scarlet fever rash generally fades in about 7 days. As the rash fades, the skin may peel around the finger tips, toes, and groin area. This peeling can last up to several weeks. Doctors treat scarlet fever with antibiotics . Many viruses and bacteria can cause sore throats. Ask the doctor about getting a strep test if your child has a sore throat. A strep test involves swabbing the throat to see if group A strep is causing the illness. If the test is positive, your child's doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics help someone with scarlet fever feel better sooner and protect others from getting sick. It is important for anyone with a sore throat to wash his or her hands often.

Long-term Health Problems from Scarlet Fever Long-term health problems from scarlet fever may include: Rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain) Kidney disease (inflammation of the kidneys, called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) Otitis media (ear infections) Abscesses (pockets of pus) of the throat Pneumonia (lung infection) Treatment with antibiotics can prevent most of these health problems. Preventing Infection: Wash Those Hands The best way to keep from getting infected is to wash your hands often and avoid sharing eating utensils, linens, towels, or other personal items. It is especially important for anyone with a sore throat to wash his or her hands often. There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever. Children with scarlet fever should stay home from school or daycare for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Antibiotics: Bacteria-Busters Group A strep is a type of bacteria commonly found in people's throats and on their skin. Group A strep can cause a range of infections, from a sore throat (strep throat) to skin infections (impetigo).

Rarely, it can cause very dangerous, deadly infections. The word antibiotic comes from the Greek words anti meaning 'against' and bios meaning 'life.' Some people call antibiotics antibacterials. Doctors use antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as scarlet fever or whooping cough. Antibiotics target only bacteria . They do not attack fungi or viruses, which cause infections like athlete's foot or the common cold. If you or your child has an infection, it's important to know the cause and follow the right treatment. Improper use of antibiotics has resulted in many bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. More Information

Question: What disease is known by the symptoms of a rash and a strawberry coloured tongue
Answer: Scarlet fever